by Georgia Kirkendall

There are few novels that encompass the passion, suspense, and intricacies of an isolated and consequently prejudiced life. Delia Owens captures these themes, and more, in her 2018 book Where the Crawdads Sing. It is evident that her story is widely renowned, having topped The New York Times bestseller lists for both 2019 and 2020. After the revelation that the novel will soon become a mystery/drama film in July, the book instantly renewed its popularity with its placement on the bestseller list for no less than 150 weeks. 

Set on the coast of North Carolina, Where the Crawdads Sing follows the lonely life of the “Marsh Girl,” named Kya. The book transitions  between Kya’s childhood and her later years, when she is linked to the murder of the popular Chase Andrews. From profound detailing of the habits of wild creatures to the harrowing acts of man, this novel is not one to resist.

The book also has a ring of truth to it. Author Delia Owens and her husband were suspects in the murder of a poacher in Zambia in 1995.  As of 2010, the Zambian government was still conducting investigations. It’s no wonder Owens so effortlesslessly described the emotion that comes with being accused of murder. American singer and song-writer Taylor Swift was also enchanted by this gripping story, having written and performed the song “Carolina” exclusively for the film production. 

The novel is a quick and easy read mainly due to the amazing plot and extraordinary characters. When you are finished, you can brag to all your friends that you read the book before watching the movie. As everyone knows, the movies are never as good as the books they are based upon.